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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 13:48:48 GMT -5
I grinned, though remained silent the rest of the journey. My head was fair throbbing with the bumps, and it took all I had not to bury my face in my palms.
The townhouses gave way rapidly to the streets of Mont Nuit, and before long the carriage rolled to a stop before the first of many clothing stores. "Finally," I muttered under my breath, then exited the carriage. Letting the driver assist Julie down - and knowing she'd likely disdain him for it - I looked around, then gestured to her.
"Where would you like to start?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 13:56:05 GMT -5
I looked around at the different shops.
One had on display a dress that very little qualified as such, bearing so much skin it was indecent. Not that one.
Their neighbour had some dresses on display which I wouldn't have expected were still in style (what do I know of style, anyway?), and I assumed they were not intended for someone my age. Definitely not that one.
That left two shops, one a very elegant store which made me twitch a little while the other looked a bit bland and boring. I pointed to the latter. "That one, for starters, if you don't mind."
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 14:15:48 GMT -5
I nodded and moved off, keeping my body turned slightly so as not to exclude her. I was her brother though, and not her suitor - she could find another arm to latch onto. The visual of Julie waltzing around on some fellows arm was almost too much, causing a hugely amused grin to pop out on my face.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 14:20:53 GMT -5
I followed Kendrick into the shop, a bit worried at what I'd find in there. I furrowed one brow and looked at him "What mean trick are you smiling about now?" I asked, both irked and happy to see him in a better mood.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 14:57:11 GMT -5
I laughed, stepping aside as I watched a clerk walk toward us. "Nothing," I replied innocently. "Nothing at all."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 15:20:47 GMT -5
I frowned to myself. Some things, I'm best not knowing.
The clerk walked over, a pleasant young man with dirty blond hair and a strange stance, his wrist seeming broken in half, though he had no visible pain to with it.
"My Lord, My..." he stopped as he swallowed a chuckle "My lady, what will it be today? A gown, I expect?"
I rolled my eyes. Was the whole city in on this?
Yes, I did need to buy a dress, but this effeminate clerk irked me and so I felt the need to contradict him. "In fact, I was hoping for something a bit less conventionnal," I replied affably. "Something that would afford me the freedom and comfort of breeches, but that would be a suitable for a Lady of quality."
I smiled inside at the clerk's visible disarray. "I'm not sure, forgive me, I should find the Master Seamster," he stuttered as he went to the back shop.
I chuckled in satisfaction and turned to look at the gowns around me. I turned to Kendrick and asked "Well, any ideas? I'm not sure what is appropriate." Not to mention, I have no idea what I'm doing.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 15:28:34 GMT -5
I just barely refrained myself from rolling my eyes, looking at Julie with unrestrained exhasperation. Apparently she had no intention on making this easy on anyone, and I wasn't sure I had the patience for it. "Something that covers your flesh," was all I had to offer to her question, for I paid little attention to ladies clothing.
Stifling a yawn, I leaned against a beam coming out from the wall and waited, my expression at once bored and warning to Julie. Be good. Elua, let her just be good.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 15:48:43 GMT -5
I smiled to myself as I replied to Kendrick "At least we agree on something." I chuckled. I looked at a gown. That one had intricate embroidery, and while it was absolutely lovely, I couln't, for the love of Elua, imagine myself wearing it.
I sighed. Moving to the next rack, I pulled at a dressed that was definitely too revealing. Not my style, I decided.
I looked over to Kendrick. "You look bored to death," I remarked. It dawned on me that his body must still be aching from last night's excesses. "And you look like you are in pain. If this is painful, just go home. I'll figure it out on my own if I must." If this is painful for you, imagine how it is for me, you big baby.
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 15:51:36 GMT -5
Well, I liked clothes- that was one of those traits one grew to enjoy or find themselves living in misery within House Eglantine. My hair was its usual windblown mess but I was sure in its own way it looked charming, the strawberry-blonde masses of it catching the breeze as I walked amongst the stalls with an acrobat's grace.
To one side I managed to catch in the corner of my eye a flash of red hair and perturbed expression followed by a bored man, most likely a cousin or brother from the atmosphere between them. Half-smilng in a sweet fashion I walked closer so I could overhear what was occurring.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 16:13:36 GMT -5
Waving my hands out infront of me to ward off her words, I grinned, shaking my head. "You try having an Eglantine drummer sit between your ears," I said bluntly. A blonde man, wearing a semi-smile covered in sweetness neared us, and I glanced at him before looking back to Julie.
"Besides," I remarked, my grin growing wider, "I think you should wear pink."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 16:21:03 GMT -5
I chuckled as I made the mental note that Eglantine was for musicians, followed by a mental note that I should heist Kendrick's library when I had a chance.
"Pink?" I vomitted the word more then I spoke it, and immediately shugged it off as a wry smile pursed my lip. "Maybe I should, and as long as pink it is, I should consider something blatantly striking, like this, for example," I said as I pulled out a violently fuschia gown and flashed it to him. "I'd make you proud, wouldn't I?" I said as I smiled mischievously to the young man next to me, and I repressed a chuckle.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 16:24:08 GMT -5
My grin slipped off my face, and I gave her a semi serious, semi mock glare. "I could always strap you to a chair and leave you behind," I said. The fact of the matter is that I would, and she knew it. Still, we both knew she couldn't wear that even if doing so meant sure torture for me.
"Then again, perhaps I should send you home after your measurements are taken and see to the cut and color myself." The grin came back as I leaned, arms crossing over my chest.
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 16:29:08 GMT -5
Smiling in return and tempted to begin drumming on the nearest table just to annoy the girl's companion some more I made a small sound to draw her attention to a deep, sunny gold- warm enough to suit her skin, pale enough to allow her hair and features to shine. The skirt was wide at the base but of a light fabric that swirled to keep from tangling her legs.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 16:30:16 GMT -5
A large smile invaded my lips and I laughed heartily. I wiped out a tear from the side of my eye, and whispered to myself "What a pair we are!"
I put my hands to my hips and cocked my head to the side. "So what will it be? Send me home or strap me to a chair? I think either scenario would be highly entertaining, to say the least, but none would be very practical."
Turning my attention to the gold dress, the blond man had indicated, I pulled it out. "What about this one? Would it entertain you to see me in it?" I was talking to Kendrick, but my eyes looked at the blond mess of hair that had been so helpful.
We have similar hair problems, I mused to myself, though his mess was much more sightly then mine.
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Post by Kendrick Deveroix on Apr 23, 2007 16:41:59 GMT -5
Looking at it, and ignoring the man who had pointed it out due to the fact that my head disliked the beat his fingers had played, I shrugged. "Whatever you'd like Jules. If you want the gods-awful purple one, then get that. Get one with a slit to your hip if it makes you happy - just sit with it away from me." Leaning in, I gave her a kiss on her forehead. "I'm going to get some fresh air to try and chase away the hangover. Will you be ok in here?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 16:48:10 GMT -5
"Don't worry, no awful purple and no slits for me. Go ahead, I'll survive, though it will be difficult." I put my hand on his shoulder in genuine affection just before I broke out in tease again, "I'll try not to be too embarrassing, Mylord-Sir."
I watched my elder brother walk out the door and turned back, the gold dress still in my hands.
I muttered to myself, "Well, a lady must do what a lady must do, I guess." Turning to the blond man with a large smile, I said "Well, would it entertain you, Sir?"
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 17:21:44 GMT -5
"I did pick it out," I teased, stepping slightly closer. "Living at Eglantine has taught me a good deal about fashion and what suits particular people. By the way, have you considered some deep greens?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 17:29:58 GMT -5
"Lucky for me then, because I know nothing of clothes, except for the fact that I despise pink with every fiber of my being. As you can see, I care very little what I look like," I said as I spread out my arms in a gesture of demonstration. I looked down. The tan breeches did look terrible, but the brown jacket did the job. Oh well, at least I'm confortable.
"Well seeing as you are the expert, I'll follow your advice. Maybe I should try the gold one first though?"
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 17:33:58 GMT -5
For a moment I looked at the cut of the gown and then tried to judge her figure. "The problem with pants and men's clothing isn't that it has to always look bad but that you obscure your figure completely. You have curves, you are going to have to accept that and once you find a gown that suits you you'll find it as comfortable as everything else you've worn."
My words were honest, but tempered with an air of sweetness- after all, in some ways I was telling her this for her own good. "Oh, and since introductions are being subverted in your obviously feminine love for shopping-" A tease, to lighten the atmosphere a little, "-I'm Bayard no' Eglantine."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 17:47:27 GMT -5
I looked down for a moment "I'm sorry, really. I just got here, and now it looks like all I've ever done or been is wrong and... well, it's a bit overwhelming, that's all."
"As you rightfully saw, I hate shopping, and dresses, and I also have terrible manners," I chuckled. "I'm Julie Deveroix."
I grinned again, biting my inner lip. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 17:53:24 GMT -5
"Good to meet you as well," I replied, grinning. "And you're not doing anything wrong, just trying to find a way to express yourself. I'm just trying to help you understand there are ways that could suit you more."
She had a thin body, subtly curved, and would require accents to waistlines and possibly bustlines for some of the thicker fabrics, but luckily we were coming into summer and such a thing wouldn't be a problem. "Go try that on so I can see what we have to work with." Smiling again, this time with a charming air and testing the waters, I added, "Let's get you out of those clothes."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 18:12:40 GMT -5
Smiling, I blushed at Bayard's jest. He was cute, in an untamed way, and had I not met him here in the City, in the Clothier's district, I would have easily portrayed him climbing atop the chestnut tree and chasing me on the Estate's glade.
I took the dress and went in the changing room. The dress stood on its hanger, and I was out of my jacket and breeches, with only my shirt on, when I realized I had no clue how to put it on. I slipped on the skirts, then I removed my shirt and tried to slip on the sleeves. How do I tie this thing?
A little bit embarrassed I got my head out of the changing room, trying to see if a female clerk was around. Alas, only Bayard was there as the effeminate clerk had disappeared, probably disgruntled at my earlier lash.
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 18:22:51 GMT -5
Biting back a grin I wordlessly stepped in at her look of sheer horror and moved behind her to begin the rather simple fastenings- but she was a lady and would never have to fasten her own clothing if she didn't wish to anyway. It was a single row of ties, easily tightened and still with a good deal of breathing room as it had minimal whalebone lining. It would outline her shape, but not force it.
"All done- you should find a mirror," I told her as I finished the bow, hands quick and agile from much practice. If I'd followed in my father's footsteps I'd probably have been given the lockpicking duties already. "I'll go with you so I can tell you what you're looking at."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 18:31:00 GMT -5
When Bayard had waltzed in the room like he would in his own castle, I gasped, then gaped as he tied the garment. I was grateful for his help, so I stifled my urge to grumble something about the interest of breeches and instead smiled a grateful thanks.
I felt much like a child on the adult's playground, so without thinking, I followed Bayard to the mirrors, and I almost held his hand as I did so. His cool and helpful demeanor reminded me of Jonas, and I felt confortable in his presence for it.
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 18:41:18 GMT -5
She was almost hiding and I bit back another grin as I placed her before the full-length mirror so she could take herself in. The right areas were portrayed subtly, so much so that she may not be able to tell why exactly the dress made her body look so different. As expected, the skirts bloomed out from her hips and moved easily, allowing maximum mobility. "What do you think?" I asked her, knowing she looked very attractive in the set but wondering if she was so stubborn as to reject it out-of-hand simply because it was something she wasn't accustomed to.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 18:49:02 GMT -5
I looked in wonder at the lady in front of me, and was almost schocked that she had my hair and my face. I turned around and looked at the curves of my body. I feel nude.
I turned around another time and touched my hair. The lumpy braid was still there, and I was somehow grateful that something of me was still there.
I walked a bit. "Well I won't be climbing any trees soon with this on," I mumbled as I looked down the skirts. I looked up at Bayard, "it looks nice, but I don't quite recognize myself. You know, I usually only wear gowns at funerals and such." I smiled apologetically, he was so nice to me. "It feels a bit stuffy if you know what I mean. But I like it, I think."
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 18:58:43 GMT -5
"See, but you could," I replied, gathering the wide hem and tying a knot in it at her knee. "I'm an acrobat and tumbler for Eglantine, so I can tell these things. Oh, and you have very nice ankles."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 19:07:48 GMT -5
The sight of me, in that dress, with the knot tied at the knees, and the image of Kendrick finding me atop his willow tree in that attire filled my throat with an irresistible laughter, and it came out of me, hearty and light.
When the larger part of my laughter turned into a giggle, I stiffled it and looked at Bayard. "You are very funny, Bayard no Eglantine. I like that," I said spontaneously. Wiping a laugh-tear from my eye, I added with a wide grin, "I'd like you to be there as a witness when my brother catches me tree-climbing in this garb. It will be a feast, I tell you."
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Post by Bayard Roux nó Eglantine on Apr 23, 2007 19:39:26 GMT -5
"I recommend wearing something under it," I replied, grinning back. "Well, unless I'm to be there. Then feel free not to." It was just part of my nature to enjoy making people blush, as long as they weren't truly offended.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Apr 23, 2007 23:44:48 GMT -5
I felt blood rush to my cheeks as I realized I indeed was wearing nothing under the skirt, as I usually did not bother with undergarments when I wore breeches. Did he know this?
Besides, I'd never shared my nether regions with anyone, and the idea of exposing them to the charming adept was a bit overwhelming.
I gasped, gaped, and stuttered finally with a smile, "Well, aren't you the entreprising one!"
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